By Jessica Neu
There is an underlying challenge whenever something as iconic as Disney’s Frozen is represented or reimagined for a space other than the original film with a beloved cast. Whether you have seen the movie more times than you care to count or are merely able to identify “Let it Go,” it can be difficult to void your expectations or preconceived notions when sitting down to watch the stage adaptation. The writers, directors, producers, and company of Frozen clearly understood the task at hand and responded with a production that is visually stunning and nuanced with thoughtful character development. As a result, it is easy to immerse yourself in Arendelle like never before.
Playing at the Benedum Center through October 16, this musical version of Frozen begins with an inclusive cast portraying a young Anna and Elsa and their parents as they begin to understand the perils of the magical powers that plague Elsa. Aria Kane stands out in this portion as a spunky, tenacious, and precocious young Anna. Audiences familiar with the franchise will appreciate the first of several Easter Eggs at this time as Queen Iduna (Belinda Allyn) notes her Northuldran heritage.
These and other details transform this show into a more detailed story filled with rich character development and emotivism that the film lacked. Audiences really grow to understand these characters as dialogue fills gaps to create an enriched story. We are prompted to consider the internal struggle that Elsa (Caroline Bowman), the antagonist, faces while allowing Anna (Lauren Nicole Chapman), the protagonist, to shine as a main character. Even supporting characters such as Oaken (Michael Milkanin) come to life as he is given his own number at the top of Act Two. This gives this otherwise somewhat intense show a moment of Mel Brooks’ lightheartedness (think “Guten Tag Hop Clop” from The Producers). I would be remiss not to mention the extraordinary puppeteer work of Jeremy Davis, who brings Olaf to life in a way that draws all attention to the snowman, not the “man behind the carrot.” Davis delivers every bit of altruism and lovability that made Olaf an instant classic Disney character.
Furthermore, the creative attention to detail in this production is simply astounding. From the way Olaf gets his name to how the Trolls enter the scene and so much more, the artistic direction of Frozen is only one of the many facets of the show that is “worth melting for.”
The impeccable timing of the lighting cues, sound technicians, orchestra, and actors create a theatrical experience that is on par with a production such as Wicked. The way the characters manipulate costume changes in the middle of a scene or the special effects that pay tribute to the animated action in the film creates a theatrical experience that is part Disney World, part Broadway, and part magic. This magic transcends the north mountain as each character is situated against a visually stunning set. The winter wonderland is so much more than a typical theatrical set design. Minimalists beware, Frozen sets a wintry spectacle that even blows a chill into the Benedum Center air. As the beloved characters and everyone’s favorite reindeer and snowman breeze through the well-known songs and original music, the show proves that it is for audiences of all ages, not just idyllic young princesses in training. The youngest spectators will surely love seeing their favorite characters and hearing their favorite songs. Older children, who now realize that Elsa and Anna are not real people, have a way of reveling in a new sort of Frozen magic in a space that may have represented innocence lost. Adults will revel simultaneously in the primaries’ perfect pitch, delightful harmonies, engaging choreography, and dynamic, surprising special effects.
Frozen holds the original film sacred while taking the script, characters, and theatrical experience as a whole to new heights. The show serves as a metaphorical act of true love that can indeed melt a frozen heart, even if the cold never bothered you anyway.
Tickets at: https://trustarts.org/production/81539/list_performances
Categories: Reviews
How in the world does Elsa go from a black child to a white woman? There were plenty of powerful black women in the ensamblé to make the main character. Why make her black as a child and not into adulthood main character or keep her a white child. It was unsettling, puzzling and took away from the amazing performance and incredible audiovisuals for the reminder of the play.